• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.1003-1013
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences of dental hygienists in how they view their work and how they rate their emotional labor and occupational stress. Gathering this data was an effort to provide information on how to increase occupational satisfaction and improve work environments for dental hygienists. Methods: We analyzed data collected from 178 dental hygienists. The dental hygienists were randomly selected by convenience sampling from dental hospitals. Results: Our results showed that pediatric hygienists had more negative responses in regard to their views on their work. As for emotional labor, dental hygienists from pediatric dental clinics experienced heavier emotional labor than those from general dental clinics. On the other hand, dental hygienists from general dental clinics suffered more from occupational stress than pediatric dental hygienists did. Conclusions: Given the findings of this study, effective and ideal programs that promote occupational satisfaction for dental hygienists should be prepared, and strategies should be developed to resolve emotional labor and improve their work environments, as well.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.445-451
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• 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of accidents with biological material, the level of knowledge, and compliance to standard precautions (SPs) among dentists, physicians, nurses, and dental and medical students. Methods: A closed cohort study with a prospective and retrospective component was conducted between August 2014 and September 2015. The participants were contacted in two moments during the follow-up period, during which a structured questionnaire divided into six sections was used; the interviews were conducted during the follow-up period (Month 6) and at the end of the observation period (Month 12). Results: The global prevalence of accidents in the previous 12 months was 10.2%, with a difference between professionals and students (13.0% vs. 5.1%, respectively; p < 0.003). The incidence rate was 6.49 per 100 person/year, with difference between the groups (6.09 per 100 person/year in professionals and 7.26 per 100 person/year in students), type of specialization (hazard ratio, 3.27), and hours worked per week (hazard ratio, 2.27). The mean of compliance to SP was 31.99 (±3.85) points, with a median of 33 (30, 35) points against the expected 27.75 points. Adherence to SP was associated with the accident report (p < 0.020). Conclusion: We conclude that the proportion/incidence rate of accidents with biological material was high in relation to that in the literature, being higher in professionals and especially among physicians. The levels of knowledge and adherence to SP were good, with the best found in dentists and dental students.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.181-185
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• 2014

Background: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ergonomics among dental professionals of Hubli-Dharwad twin cities, India. Methods: Investigator-developed, self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding ergonomics during dental practice was filled in by undergraduates, house surgeons, postgraduates, and faculty members of dental institutions and private practitioners from Hubli-Dharwad twin cities. Results: Data were collected from a total of 250 participants, 50 belonging to each academic group. Overall mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 52%, 75%, and 55%, respectively. Significant correlation was found for age with attitude (${\chi}^2=10.734$, p=0.030) and behavior (${\chi}^2=12.984$, p=0.011). Marital status was significantly associated with all the three domains; knowledge (${\chi}^2=29.369$, p=0.000), attitude (${\chi}^2=29.023$, p=0.000), and practices (${\chi}^2=13.648$, p=0.009). Conclusion: Participants had considerable awareness and behavior toward ergonomics in dental practice. The high attitude score indicates stronger acceptance of ergonomics principles and guidelines during routine dental procedures. The current study highlights the situation of ergonomics in dental practice in the form of knowledge, attitude, and practices.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.209-220
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• 2021

The noise is defined as unwanted sound that causes discomfort and physical changes. This study was conducted to evaluate intensity of noise in the pediatric dental clinic and to investigate noise environment of a pediatric dentist. Human ear shaped microphone and mobile noise level meter were used for recording noise and calculating intensity of noise. By recording according to the method specified by Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) of Korea Ministry of labor and employment, the following results were obtained. For 16 experimental days, 8 hour time weighted average (8hr-TWA) was 49.33 dBA (A-weighted deci-Bell) on daily average with maximum 58.54 dBA and minimum 33.97 dBA. And Dose was 0.49% on daily average with maximum 1.28%, minimum 0.04%. These values are less than criteria of KOSHA standard (85 dBA, 100%). Comparing the highest noise level for each patient, pulp therapy group and Frankel grade I group were the highest. The intensity of dental noise of pediatric dental clinic didn't meet standard of KOSHA. It is necessary to re-evaluate noise environment by establishing new standards considering environment of pediatric dental clinic.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.43-61
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• 1993

This study was conducted to determine factors influencing dental technicians recognition level of their occupational disease. After self-administered questionnaire were distributed by mail to 540 technicians clustered samplely semplely selected from dental laboratories resistered in seoul and pusan Korean Dental Laboratory Association 395 technicians responded from march 29 through April 27, 1993. The results are as follows. 1. The recognition level of an occupational disease of the total 395 respondents by sex is higher among male than female. The difference was found to be meaningful(p <.05). 2. When the recognition level of an occupational disease being tested with 45 as the highest point possible, the average point 31.41 $\pm$ 6.50 of the total respondents reflected a high level of recognition. The highly recognized items were stress, bronchial disease, hearing loss. 3. With the highest points in Wallston and Wallstons' health locus of control in personality being 54, the average points of the dental technicians in the study was 35.41 $\pm$ 4.93. 4. As for the medical care patterns, the rate was higher among local medical insurance 64.4% than none 16.8%, company medical isurance 9.2%, medical aide 6.7%, others 2.6%. As for the experience of utilization of outpatient servelies, Yes was 40.4% and 59.6%, showing a meaningful difference(t=.80, p<.05).01) accounted total variance of the factors influencing dental technicians recognition level of their occupational disease(p<.0.000), R-squaire is 0.08.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.348-354
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• 2011

Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Dental School of Prince of Songkla University to ascertain noise exposure of dentists, dental assistants, and laboratory technicians. A noise spectral analysis was taken to illustrate the spectra of dental devices. Methods: A noise evaluation was performed to measure the noise level at dental clinics and one dental laboratory from May to December 2010. Noise spectral data of dental devices were taken during dental practices at the dental services clinic and at the dental laboratory. A noise dosimeter was set following the Occupational Safety and Health Administration criteria and then attached to the subjects' collar to record personal noise dose exposure during working periods. Results: The peaks of the noise spectrum of dental instruments were at 1,000, 4,000, and 8,000 Hz which depended on the type of instrument. The differences in working areas and job positions had an influence on the level of noise exposure (p < 0.01). Noise measurement in the personal hearing zone found that the laboratory technicians were exposed to the highest impulsive noise levels (137.1 dBC). The dentists and dental assistants who worked at a pedodontic clinic had the highest percent noise dose (4.60 ${\pm}$ 3.59%). In the working areas, the 8-hour time-weighted average of noise levels ranged between 49.7-58.1 dBA while the noisiest working area was the dental laboratory. Conclusion: Dental personnel are exposed to noise intensities lower than occupational exposure limits. Therefore, these dental personnel may not experience a noise-induced hearing loss.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.225-234
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the oral health condition and behavioral status of Korean adults according to occupational status. The subjects were 7,676 adults, aged between 19 and 64 years, who completed both oral examination and questionnaire survey, among those who indicated that they were currently participating in economic activities, according to the data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Occupational class and employment status were selected as measures of occupational status. Complex-samples logistic regression models were used to assess the associations among oral health, behavioral, and occupational statuses. We found a significant occupational class-related difference in the oral health and behavioral statuses of both the men and women. In particular, the prevalence odds ratios of untreated dental caries in manual workers were 1.19 and 1.67 times higher than in non-manual workers, for men and women, respectively. As for oral health condition and behavioral status according to employment status, the health risk in temporary employment workers was higher than that in permanent employment workers. As for the prevalence odds ratios of the risk of dental caries, the highest values were observed for tooth brushing fewer than 3 times per day, not undergoing oral examinations, and chewing difficulty complaints. The risk of dental caries for agricultural, forestry, and fishing workers for both men and women was found to be the highest among other workers. Thus, strategies to promote workplace oral health in the microscopic and macroscopic perspectives should be developed to constantly monitor oral health problems, and to identify vulnerable social groups within occupational groups and the related factors that mediate oral health differences.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate occupational distribution of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients and their diagnosis according to occupations and to evaluate the relationship between TMD and occupations. Work-related factors which might aggravate TMD symptoms were also evaluated. Methods: We investigated 316 TMD patients, aged from 13 to 65 years old, who had visited the Department of Oral Medicine in Pusan National University Dental Hospital. The subjects who have a job were assessed using TMD analysis examination and occupation questionnaire. The level of significance was p-value<0.05. Result: This study presented that the diagnoses according to occupations were not significant, but work-related factors such as verbal work and poor posture were related with TMD symptoms. Conclusions: Proper education is essential to prevent aggravation of TMD symptoms because TMD symptoms were more related to work environment than a specific occupation.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.365-379
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• 2007

The objective of the current study is to provide basic data necessary for the development of systematic program that is required for the systematic occupational work training of dental hygienists who newly employed at dental hospitals or clinics. The results of the surveys were listed as in below. The survey was conducted for 175 experienced dental hygienists who are in charge of occupational work training in 6 regions(Seoul, Kyunggi, Busan, Ulsan, Kwangju, Chungnam, Kyungnam) of the country where the occupational work training for new dental hygienists is systematically operated. 1. The recognition of experienced dental hygienists for the importance of occupational work training revealed that image training was the most importantly recognized by dental hygienists in Seoul Kyunggi regions(pE.01). In case of Busan region, periodontic training and conservative dentistry training were the most importantly recognized, and customer service training was mostly highly recognized in Ulsan region(pE.01). In case of Kwangjuregion, dental health insurance claim training was recognized as most important subject, and Patient consultation training was the most importantly recognized in Chungnam region. In case of Kyungnam region. Oral surgery was recognized as the most important training subject. 2. Regard on the importance of the range of occupational work training, the experienced dental hygienists with less than 2 years of experience were found to recognize the training of greeting and naming most importantly, the dental hygienists with 2~3 years of experience most importantly recognized oral surgery, and the dental hygienists with 4~5 year of experience were found to recognize conservative training most importantly. In case of dental hygienists having 6~9 year of experience recognized periodontic and conservation trainings as the most important subjects, and the dental hygienist having more than 10 years of experience were found to recognize conservative and image trainings mostly importantly.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.261-271
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to clarify the mediating effect of the basic occupational ability in relation to the career barrier and job-seeking efficacy of dental technology students. It aims to provide the basic data for NCS-based education and career guidance. Methods: The subject of the questionnaire survey was dental technology students. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program. For reliable verification, a significance level of ${\alpha}=.05$ was used and reliability analysis, frequency analysis, descriptive statistics analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed. Results: The results of the analysis showed that the basic occupational ability had a mediating effect in relation to career barriers and job-seeking efficacy. It was found that the basic occupational ability had a mediating effect in the relationship between job-seeking efficiently and other variables such as difficulty in an interpersonal relationship, lack of self-clarification, conflict with others in important positions, lack of job information, and lack of interest. Conclusion : The results of this study confirmed the importance of the basic occupational ability in improving job-seeking goals, job motivation, job search strength, job skills, and other related areas. If it appears difficult to overcome career barriers such as interpersonal difficulty, lack of self-clarification, conflict with other important people, lack of job information, and lack of interest, then the improvement of the basic occupational ability can be expected to enhance the job-seeking efficiency.